Page 90 of Dukes for Dessert

And that left her with a twinge of disappointment.

7

After dining in her chamber—not with Marina, who’d had to dine with her mother in the countess’s chamber—Juno slipped from her room in search of a glass of brandy or port or whatever she could find. She was pleased to see the upstairs sitting room had a bottle of madeira set out with several glasses. Juno poured a small amount and situated herself in a chair to ponder her next move.

Cecilia strolled by the open doorway, and Juno called to her. “Care to join me?”

“I would, thank you.” Cecilia went to pour herself some madeira before taking a chair near Juno’s. “You were missed at dinner, as were Lady Wetherby and Lady Marina.”

“Does everyone know they’re leaving?” Juno asked.

“Yes. And it is just them?” Cecilia asked. “That’s what Lady Wetherby told the butler.”

“That is correct. I am not leaving with them because I am no longer in Lady Wetherby’s employ.” Juno pursed her lips before sipping her wine.

Ceclia’s brow furrowed. “I am quite sorry to hear that. Their failure to suit wasn’t your fault.”

“I doubt you’d convince Lady Wetherby of that,” Juno said wryly. “She let me go without a reference. I’m afraid I shall have to ask you for transport to Wolverhampton so I may catch a coach to Bath.”

Waving her hand, Cecilia gave her a warm smile. “Nonsense, you must stay for the remainder of the party. Then I’ll send you to Bath in one of our coaches.”

“That’s awfully kind of you, but I couldn’t impose.”

“It’s no imposition. Furthermore, I’d be delighted to recommend you. As I said, none of this is your fault. Some people are not meant to be together.”

“I suppose, but I still feel we failed in our endeavors.” Juno frowned at her madeira before taking another sip.

“Perhaps we should have expected it,” Cecilia lamented. “There just wasn’t anything between them, not even a kernel of curiosity.”

“Plenty of people wed without so much as spending any meaningful time together.” Juno shook her head. “Which is terrible. I confess I am not disappointed for Marina. She didn’t like him.”

“Did she even give him a chance?” Cecilia blinked. “It doesn’t matter now.”

Juno grimaced. “I’m not entirely sure she did. However, the duke did seem to try, today at least.” Until Juno had ruined it by kissing him. Had she provoked him to speak with Lady Wetherby? Had her impulsive behavior cost her this position? Of course it had. She was quite furious with herself.

“He must have come to the conclusion that it was a lost cause,” Cecilia went on. “I understand he explicitly informed the countess that he wasn’t going to offer for Lady Marina.”

Flinching inwardly, Juno said, “Yes, that’s precisely what he did.”

“Perhaps Lady Marina is better off,” Cecilia suggested. “The duke is so very rigid and aloof.”

“I did have doubts as to whether she would have been happy,” Juno admitted. “Indeed, I think I may pity the woman who becomes his duchess.”

“He seemed more relaxed at dinner this evening.”

Juno sat up with interest. “Did he?”

Cecilia nodded. “He actually spoke with those around him and remained engaged throughout the meal. It was a far cry from the night before, when he abruptly left.”

Indeed. “How extraordinary.”

“He didn’t so much as flinch when Lady Bentham asked if he was going to leave too since his prospective bride is departing early.”

Juno bit back a giggle, briefly pressing her hand to her lips. “My goodness, what did he say?”

“He responded with a succinct ‘no.’ I did wonder if his behavior tonight is further proof that the match would not have worked. Without the pressure of having to determine if he and Lady Marina would suit, he was able to be more of his true self.”

Juno snorted. “Doubtful. He’s far too guarded to allow that. I’m just so shocked that he plans to stay when he hates house parties. What could possibly keep him here?” She cocked her head. “Perhaps it’s your stables. He does seem to enjoy his morning rides.”

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